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Marine fire safety

pocket checklist Revision 3
Reducing the risk of port state control detentions

In conjunction with:
Introduction
It is essential that ship’s crew are appropriately trained to inspect, maintain and
operate marine fire safety equipment and that the equipment is ready for use at
all times. Being prepared can mean the difference between lives lost or lives saved.

In conjunction with an industry partner, the UK P&I Club, we have compiled this
checklist following analysis of deficiencies relating to fire safety found by port
state control (PSC) officers on ships classed by Lloyd’s Register.

To help reduce the risk of your ship being detained we strongly

recommend that you include, as a minimum, the items on the chart
on page 4 as part of your final checks before voyage and port entry.
These checks will help to ensure that the items continue to conform to
international convention requirements. It is strongly advised that all other
items in this checklist are checked on an ongoing basis.

This is the fourth in our series of pocket checklists to help you comply with
international convention requirements. For information about the other checklists
in the series please visit www.lr.org/psc or www.ukpandi.com

Latest news on classification and regulatory matters which affect you, including
port state control, is published in our Classification News bulletins. To subscribe to
this service go to www.lr.org/classnews

Lloyd’s Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective
officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this
clause as ‘Lloyd’s Register’. Lloyd’s Register assumes no responsibility and shall not
be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the
information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person
has signed a contract with the relevant Lloyd’s Register entity for the provision of
this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively
on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
Are you prepared for a port state control
inspection?
PSC officers always commence their inspection in the Master’s office. It is essential
that certification is up-to-date, original and valid. All other necessary documents
and manuals should, where required, be approved and on board.

If equipment is broken or missing, or if the ship has suffered damage en-route,

the Master must notify the port authorities prior to port entry. If the port
authorities are informed of the problem and of any permanent or temporary
remedies agreed with the flag administration, the vessel should not be detained.
However, if notice is not given before entry, the port state has clear grounds for
inspecting the vessel, possibly leading to a detention.

If your ship is detained, or appears to be in the process of being detained, you

should contact the nearest Lloyd’s Register office immediately for assistance.

The major PSC organisations publish their criteria for targeting a ship on their
websites. Ship owners and operators should use these criteria to calculate the
target rating of their ships.

Paris MOU – www.parismou.org

Tokyo MOU – www.tokyo-mou.org
USCG – http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/home.do

Other MOUs include Abuja, Black Sea, Caribbean, Indian Ocean,

Mediterranean, Riyadh and Vina del Mar.

A ship operator may disagree with the findings of the PSC authority. If this is the
case, the majority of the regional PSC organisations have guidelines on how to
appeal against a detention. These can also be found on the above websites.

The 2012 edition of IMO Procedures for Port State Control also provides
guidelines on detentions. [ISBN: 978-92-801-1550-5]

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
Most common fire safety deficiencies

Below are the most common fire safety deficiencies (by number) found
by PSC officers on LR classed ships during the period 2014– 2016.

Fire dampers (69)

Doors within main vertical zone (65)

Other (fire safety) (61)

Fire detection (55)

Fixed fire extinguishing installation (52)

Means of control
(opening, closing skylights, pumps etc. Machinery spaces) (39)

Fire prevention structure (27)

Fire pumps (23)

Personal equipment (21)

Means of escape (20)

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
1. Certificates and documents

The following certificates and documents must be carried on board.

Certificates and attachments

1. Cargo Ship Safety Equipment or Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
– including the Record of Safety Equipment (Form E or Form P)
permanently attached to the Certificate
– Record of Approved Ship Safety Equipment

2. Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

3. Statement of Operational Limitations and Exemptions

(passenger ships only)

4. Fire extinguisher servicing certificates

– both non-portable fixed and portable extinguishers
– where the flag administration permits checking by the ship’s crew,
appropriate evidence must be available

5. Fire extinguisher pressure test certificates

– includes the Records of Construction and the approved technical files

6. Fixed gas fire-extinguishing system (e.g. CO2) cylinder

pressure test and servicing certificates

7. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinder test and

inspection certificates and, where required, Emergency Escape
Breathing Devices (EEBDs)

Type Approval Certificates

8. All extinguishers

9. All fixed fire-fighting systems

10. SCBA

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
1. Certificates and documents – continued
Type Approval Certificates (continued)
11. EEBDs

12. Fire detection and alarm systems

Documents
13. Instructions for onboard maintenance or a shipboard planned
maintenance scheme

14. Ship-specific SOLAS training manuals and onboard training aids

15. Ship-specific Fire Safety Training Manual, to be kept with the

SOLAS Training Manual in an accessible location

16. Records of inspection, maintenance, testing and drills

17. Records of crew familiarisation with fire and abandon ship drills

18. Muster list and emergency instructions

19. Fire control plan

– available in the language or languages required by the flag
administration. If the language is neither English nor French, a
translation into one of those languages shall be included
– in good condition, kept up-to-date and permanently exhibited in an
accessible location
– a duplicate set of fire control plans shall be permanently stored in a
prominently marked weathertight enclosure outside the deckhouse
for the assistance of shore-side fire-fighting personnel

20. Damage control plan and booklet

21. Servicing records

– available for all installations, including date of last recharge/sample
test of foam, as appropriate


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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
1. Certificates and documents – continued

Inspection and testing records

22. Fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants, including hoses, nozzles
and international shore connections
23. Fire detection, extinguishing and alarm systems
24. Ventilation systems, including fire and smoke dampers, fans and
their controls, remote stops
25. Fuel and lubricating oil quick-closing devices shutdown
26. Fire doors, including their controls
27. General emergency alarm systems
28. EEBD and fire-fighters’ outfits
29. Portable and non-portable fire extinguishers, including spare
charges (in accordance with requirements specified by the flag
administration)
30. Low-location lighting and public address systems
(passenger ships only)

Notes:
1. IMO MSC.1/Circ. 1482 provides guidelines for testing and inspection
of fire-protection systems and appliances.
2. Manuals and instructions for the maintenance and operation of all
the fire-fighting equipment and installations on board must be in a
language understood by the crew and must be readily available in an
accessible location.
3. If the ship has been issued with a flag exemption certificate, it must be current.
4. A valid hot work permit must be obtained before conducting hot works.

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
2. Operational deficiencies

The following items are common to a number of areas around the ship and
deficiencies are frequently found on these items.

1. Fire dampers and ventilators

– clearly marked open/close, easy to operate and seal effectively
– locking pins can be easily removed
– handles and wire are in good condition
– machinery flaps and ventilators close correctly
– skylights close from local and remote positions
– ventilator flame screens are in good condition

2. Means of escape
– clearly marked
– ladders and hatches are in good condition
– trunks, alleyways and stairways are unobstructed
– emergency lighting operates correctly
– exits are capable of being opened quickly from inside and outside

3. Fire-fighting equipment and appliances

– all fire appliances are located in compliance with the fire control plan
– all fire hoses are of non-perishable material, are in good condition
with no leaks and are pressure tested regularly
– fire mains and hydrants and piping for fixed systems are maintained
in good condition with no leaks
– all nozzles are operable and, where required for tankers, are of dual
purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type), incorporating a shut-off
– hoses, nozzles and tools are all correctly stowed and fire boxes are in
good condition
– where installed, sand boxes are full and scoops are in place

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
2. Operational deficiencies – continued

4. Personal equipment
– SCBA and EEBD are readily available and fully charged
– fire-fighters’ outfits are complete and readily available

5. Fire doors
– free of obstructions
– self-closing and free from non-approved hold-open methods
such as tie-backs, hooks, wedges or other such arrangements

6. Fire detection
– detection systems are operable on emergency power
– detectors are tested regularly
– spare heads are available
– control panels function correctly

7. Fire alarm
– audible and visual indications function correctly

8. Fixed fire-extinguishing systems and installation

– clearly marked, readily accessible control stations
– gas release alarm, including time delay for the extinguishing
medium, is operating satisfactorily
– clear instructions for operation are posted and are in a language
understood by the crew
– pipework is in good condition and nozzles, hoses and valves
(depending on systems) operate correctly

Note:
Hoses and their attachments are certified to a standard and supplied by a
manufacturer complete. If a component of an approved system is modified by
someone other than the manufacturer, then the approving body must be notified.

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
3. Engine room and machinery spaces

Equipment must be as per the Record of Approved Ship Safety Equipment,

inspected regularly, well-maintained and ready for operation at all times.

1. Cleanliness
– machinery spaces, including the steering gear space, tank tops
and bilges, are free of excess oil and other fire hazards,
including accumulations of oily waste material and rags
– drip trays and save-alls are empty

2. Fire pumps
– pumps are individually tested with two hoses supplying water
to the extremities of the vessel and water pressure is checked
– fire main relief valves, if fitted, are checked
– isolating valves in the fire main are tested
– pressure gauges function properly
– pipework is checked and is in good condition

3. Emergency quick-closing valves and shutdowns

– fuel shutdowns and emergency quick-closing valves function correctly
– for pneumatic (air) quick-closing valves, check pressure gauges and
verify that system is fully charged
– for wire-type quick-closing valves, wires must have regular inspection/
test records on board
– for hydraulic valves, records of regular oil level checks and leak testing
must be available

4. Jacketed piping system for high pressure fuel lines

– an approved system is in place
– a leak tank is in place
– the leak tank alarm is in working order

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
4. Engine room and machinery spaces
– continued

5. Fire prevention
– hot surfaces are adequately insulated and protected
– all lamps and fittings are in good condition
– no naked lights
– insulation is in good condition and not wet through with oil
– self-closing cocks on sounding pipes and level gauges on oil tanks
must not be permanently held open
– garbage is segregated in metal receptacles fitted with metal lids

6. Fire-rated divisions, including main zones

– insulation is examined for condition and satisfactory adhesion – no
missing, damaged or detached portions
– all deck and bulkhead penetrations remain tight and are of the
appropriate fire rating

Outer sleeve of the double
skin high pressure fuel pipes
not fitted correctly: end sealing
arrangements are ineffective.

Note:
Do not use fire hoses for any other purposes, such as bilge cleaning.

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017


4. Accommodation

Equipment must be as per the Record of Approved Ship Safety Equipment,

inspected regularly, well-maintained and ready for operation at all times.

1. Sprinkler system
– section valves and alarms are tested
– pressure gauges function correctly
– pipework is checked and in good condition
– pumps are tested

2. Ventilators
– remote stops are working and correctly marked open/close
– access is available to clean galley ventilator
– ventilator flaps are in good condition
– extractor ventilators from laundry areas are regularly cleaned and
are not clogged with fluff

Fire hose box tied shut using Fire door held open using
an unapproved method. an unapproved method.

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
5. Deck

Equipment must be as per the Record of Approved Ship Safety Equipment,

inspected regularly, well-maintained and ready for operation at all times.

1. International shore connection

– readily available and the location clearly marked
– correct number of nuts, bolts and washers

2. Fire protection – cargo deck area (tankers only)

– annual test records and foam analysis are available for foam systems
– foam monitors move freely

3. Paint locker fire protection system

– satisfactory provision is made for extinguishing fire without entering
the space, as required by the flag administration

4. Ventilators
– funnel ventilation dampers are easy to operate and seal effectively
– weather deck closing appliances for inlet/outlets are easy to operate
and seal effectively
– wires, handles and guide wheels are in good condition

Fire hose end connections secured

using unapproved methods

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017


6. Tanks and holds

Equipment must be as per the Record of Approved Ship Safety Equipment,

inspected regularly, well-maintained and ready for operation at all times.

1. Inert gas system (tankers only)

– inert gas generator, scrubber, valves, pipework, blowers, control
system, deck seal, alarms and overboard discharge are in
good condition and operate correctly
– fixed oxygen test meter is calibrated regularly and tests are recorded

2. CO2 system
– operating instructions are in a language that the crew understands
– alarms are operational

3. Special requirements for ships carrying dangerous goods

– equipment as specified in the Document of Compliance, such as fire
detection, water spray, ventilation and electrical, as applicable, to be
checked and in good condition

Notes:
1. Inert gas system testing should take place before each cargo operation and
all results should be recorded.
2. Full maintenance records to be kept of the system non-return valves and
deck water seal arrangements which prevent the return of flammable
vapours to the engine room/inert gas room.
3. If a fixed fire-extinguishing installation system is not installed then a flag
exemption is required.
4. Use dry compressed air to unblock hold fire sample lines. Do not use CO2.

Marine
Port state
Fireinspections
Safety Revision
revision
3 1 Page 14
15
© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
2013
7. Fire drills

Equipment must be as per the Record of Approved Ship Safety Equipment,

inspected regularly, well-maintained and ready for operation at all times.

1. Fire drills

2. Emergency preparedness

3. Crew musters for abandon ship and fire drills

4. Operation of fire protection systems

A quick-closing valve held open

using an unapproved method

Notes:
1. Some PSC authorities will require the crew to carry out abandon ship and
fire drills. Crew must be able to demonstrate familiarity with the equipment
and be able to carry out their duties quickly and competently.
2. It is advisable to use different scenarios when carrying out drills so that the
crew is ready and prepared for different emergency situations. Ensure that
these drills and scenarios are recorded in the log book.
3. Photo records with dates are a good idea as evidence of drills being
regularly held.

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
8. Miscellaneous

Equipment must be as per the Record of Approved Ship Safety Equipment,

inspected regularly, well-maintained and ready for operation at all times.

1. Emergency fire pump

– ship’s side valves operate freely and are fitted with extended spindles
where necessary
– diesel-powered pumps are well-maintained with fuel and water
services, and the exhaust system is in good condition and free from
leaks
– electrically powered pumps can be run from the emergency supply
– relief valves, if required, are operational
– starting system is functioning and instructions are clearly displayed
and understood by the crew

2. Emergency generator
– generator is started and all methods of starting, including auto-start
where fitted, are tested
– level in fuel storage tank must be 80% capacity as a minimum
– remote fuel shut-off is clearly marked and the operating mechanism
is in good condition

3. Emergency batteries
– battery levels and specific gravities are correct
– spare electrolyte and distilled water levels are correct
– appropriate Personal Protective Equipment is available in the area

4. Workshops
– all cutting and welding gases and equipment are safely and
appropriately stored

5. Cargo pump room (tankers)

– satisfactory provision is made for extinguishing a fire without
entering the space, as required by the flag administration

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
8. Miscellaneous – continued

Fire damper – wastage found A fire extinguisher which needs recharging

after removing cover

Note:
Ships may occasionally experience extreme light draught condition in port, at
anchorage or at sea. While the ship is in this condition there must not be any
reduced capability to provide pressure to the fire main via the emergency fire pump
or other means. Therefore a contingency plan must be in place for such situations
and the plan must be documented in the Safety Management System.

For example, during periods when the ship is in port, the contingency plan could
include a procedure to co-ordinate with the port to provide pressure to the fire
main during that period.

Contact your local Lloyd’s Register office for further advice.

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© Lloyd’s Register Group Limited/UK P&I Club, 2017
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affiliates. Copyright © Lloyd’s Register Group Limited. 2017. A member of the Lloyd’s Register group.

To order additional copies of this pocket checklist and others in the series, please visit www.lr.org/psc

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